Ariana Grande Says She Went Through Her ‘Wicked’ Contract With Cynthia Erivo to Make Sure They Were “Aligned”

by

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen countless tales of camaraderie and rivalry unfold in the virtual world, I must say that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s story from the set of ‘Wicked’ resonates deeply with my gaming heart. Their commitment to each other, their equal footing, and their unwavering support for one another is akin to the bond between online allies in a cooperative game.

Ariana Grande made certain that both she and Cynthia Erivo received equal treatment throughout the production of “Wicked“.

The songwriter and performer discussed the highly successful movie version of the musical with Jessica Shaw for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. When queried about her bond with Erivo, she clarified that they established mutual trust well before filming commenced as they were cast in 2021, but production didn’t start until December 2022.

At that point, we were truly developing an authentic relationship,” she expressed. “We spoke frequently about the agreement we forged to support and be truthful to each other in all matters. However, I feel others might underestimate just how detailed our commitment was and how sincerely we intended it.

She told him that upon receiving her contract, she reached out to Erivo to discuss it jointly.

Grande recollected telling her fellow actor, ‘Let’s walk side by side, beat after beat, ensuring we are in sync with our requirements.’ If either of us requires assistance, let it be mutual. I want us to support one another. Whatever issues you face, I’ll stand with you, and vice versa.’

The actress from “Don’t Look Up” shared that their support for one another extended beyond the red carpet and social media, offering genuine displays of camaraderie that could not be captured by any press tour or online video.

She observed, “It’s hard to fully convey the authenticity of our experience,” she said. “We had been developing this long before we even stepped onto set, and I believe this was a crucial aspect of our work. I feel fortunate because it’s something I take great pride in – how we supported each other throughout the process.

In another part of our discussion, the artist known for the song “We Can’t Be Friends” commended director Jon M. Chu, acknowledging that his exceptional talent as a filmmaker and individual provided them ample room to consistently deliver their best performances.

He makes you feel as if you’re in a secure and comfortable setting – almost like a multimillion-dollar film production, yet it felt more like a small student project. We were like kids playing with our laptops and costumes, and there was an air of freedom and trust. The environment was incredibly safe and nurturing.

Ariana Grande’s remarks followed speculation online about a supposed wage gap in their movie, with some claiming she was earning a staggering $15 million compared to her co-star who was reportedly only receiving $1 million. However, a representative from Universal clarified that both actresses actually received the same salary for the film.

The stage-to-screen version of “Wicked” broke the record as the highest-grossing box office debut for a Broadway adaptation when it premiered on November 22. The second part of this musical film is scheduled to hit cinemas on November 21, 2025.

Read More

2024-12-14 23:24